elicit

verb

i-ˈli-sət How to pronounce elicit (audio)
Definition of elicitnext
as in to evoke
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) the role elicited the actress's flair for comedy that previous directors had overlooked

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elicit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elicit are educe, evoke, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When is it sensible to use educe instead of elicit?

The meanings of educe and elicit largely overlap; however, educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

When could evoke be used to replace elicit?

The words evoke and elicit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

When might extort be a better fit than elicit?

In some situations, the words extort and elicit are roughly equivalent. However, extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

In what contexts can extract take the place of elicit?

Although the words extract and elicit have much in common, extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elicit Even heartfelt moments where Jackie’s deepest secrets are revealed, connecting her sordid past to her chaotic future, fail to elicit a true emotional tug. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026 In addition to data collection, the measure asked that campuses host open forums before the end of 2027 to elicit student feedback on current time, place, and manner policies that restrict when, where and how protests are conducted on campuses. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Continue reading … ‘MIND-BLOWING HYPOCRISY’ — Mass UN walkout elicits fiery response from Netanyahu in New York speech. — FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Its Canadian premiere elicited one of the fest’s longest-standing ovations on record last Tuesday. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicit
  1. evoke
  2. inspire
Verb
  • While the lobby is trés analogue, the rooms embrace modernity, and each features a lounge area that combines midcentury-modern furniture with art that evokes grunge-era irreverence.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Spontaneous smears and streams of color form her famous abstractions, evoking a body in motion.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of evoke
Verb
  • After coming across our insightful articles in the course of their online research, potential clients are often inspired to reach out for trip-planning assistance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • This isn’t the first time a transformative technology has inspired predictions of mass job displacement.
    — Mary Moreland, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of inspire

Browse Nearby Words

elfish
elicit
elicited
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Cite this Entry

“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicit. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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